Adjustable awning to fit different size structures

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, method, and kit for mounting to the wall of a structure. The apparatus comprises: first and second arms, each arm having an elongated portion and a mounting portion arranged at an angle relative to the elongated portion, the mounting portion defining one or more holes, the elongated portion of the first arm having a first inner surface, the elongated portion of the second arm having a second inner surface, first inner surface opposing the second inner surface; at least a first clamp member operably connected to the first arm and at least a second clamp member operably connected to the second arm; and at least one canopy member having a one end portion clamped between the first inner surface and the at least one clamp member and an opposite end portion clamped between the second inner surface and the at least second clamp member.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent document relates generally to window awnings, and moreparticularly to an adjustable window awning.

BACKGROUND

Awnings are commonly used over windows and doors to shade them fromsunlight and protect them from rain and other precipitation. Theytypically consist of a fixed frame and a canopy sewn and fitted over theframe.

A difficulty is windows, doors, and other structures protected byawnings come in many different sizes and shapes. As a result, awningsare generally custom built to fit the structure it is shading and arecustom installed. Such custom built awnings typically require additionallabor costs and are expensive to manufacture—especially if the installerincorrectly measures the window or door. Custom awnings also can bedifficult to install.

SUMMARY

In general terms, this document relates to an awning to shade astructure such as windows or other openings of a home or a building. Oneaspect is an apparatus for mounting to the wall of the structure andshading a window. The apparatus comprises first and second arms whereineach arm has an elongated portion and a mounting portion arranged at anangle relative to the elongated portion. The mounting portion definesone or more holes. An elongated portion of the first arm has a firstinner surface and the elongated portion of the second arm has a secondinner surface. The first inner surface opposes the second inner surface.At least a first clamp member is operably connected to the first arm anda second clamp member is operably connected to the second arm. At leastone canopy member has a one end portion clamped between the first innersurface and the at least one clamp member, and an opposite end portionclamped between the second inner surface and the at least second clampedmember.

A second aspect is an awning assembly. The awning assembly comprisesfirst and second arms, wherein each arm has a rear portion arranged formounting to an outer wall of the structure and a leading portionoppositely disposed from the rear portion. Each arm comprises an innersurface and an outer surface, and two or more clamp members. The two ormore clamp members are positioned proximally to the inner surface. Thetwo or more canopy members treated to be at least water resistant. Eachof the canopy members have a width in the range of about five inches toabout eight inches. A first one of the two or more canopy members hasone end clamped to the first arm between the inner surface and one ofthe two or more clamp members, and an opposite end clamped to the secondarm between the inner surface and one of the two or more clamp members.A second one of the two or more canopy members has one end clamped tothe first arm between the inner surface and another of the two or moreclamp members, and an opposite end clamped to the second arm between theinner surface and another of the two or more clamp members. First andsecond side curtains are formed with a non-rigid material and each sidecurtain has a top portion and a rear portion. The first curtain isoperably connected to the outer surface of the first arm and the rearportion is arranged to extend along the exterior wall of the structure.The second curtain is operably connected to the outer surface of thesecond arm and a rear portion is arranged to extend along the exteriorwall of the structure. A first side curtain bracket member is operablyconnected to an inner surface of the first side curtain and the exteriorwall of the structure, and a second side curtain bracket member isoperably connected to an inner surface of the second side curtain andthe exterior wall of the structure. At least one rigid elongated memberhas a first end operably connected to the leading portion of the firstarm and an opposite end operably connected to the leading portion of thesecond arm.

Another aspect is a method for assembling an awning. The methodcomprises attaching first and second arms to an exterior wall of thestructure and proximal to a window wherein each of the first and secondarms comprise an elongated portion and a clamping member operablyconnected to the elongated portion; and clamping a first end portion ofa canopy member between the elongated bracket and the clamp of the firstarm and an opposite portion of the canopy member between the elongatedportion and the clamp of the second arm.

Another aspect is a kit for assembling an awning and mounting the awningto the exterior wall of a structure. The kit comprises first and secondarms wherein each arm has an elongated portion and a mounting portionarranged at an angle relative to the elongated portion. The mountingportion defines one or more holes. The elongated portion of the firstarm has a first inner surface and the elongated portion of the secondarm has a second inner surface wherein the first inner surface opposesthe second inner surface. At least two clamp members configured foroperable connection to the first arm and at least two clamp membersconfigured for operable connection to the second arm. At least onecanopy member is configured for clamping to the first and second arms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an awning in use over a window.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are enlarged perspective views of first and second armsfor the awning illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the awing illustrated in FIG. 1with a side curtain.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the awing illustrated in FIG. 1 with aside curtain and an elongated reinforcing member extending between thearms.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross sectional views taken along lines 5-5.

FIG. 6 is a partial bottom plan view of a canopy member illustrated inFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts andassemblies throughout the several views. Reference to variousembodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto.Additionally, any examples set forth in the specification are notintended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possibleembodiments for the appended claims.

Within this patent document, the conjunction “or” connotes “and/or”inappropriate. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” connotes “one ormore” unless stated otherwise or the use of “one or more” is clearlyinappropriate. Additionally, qualifiers such as “about” and“substantially” connotes physical structures, physical relationships,and values for given measurements, parameters, ranges, positions, andthe like that can vary due to differences in manufacturing tolerances,conditions of use, and other factors.

Referring to FIG. 1, an awning 100 includes first and second arms 108and 110. One or more canopy members 106 a-106 c form a canopy and extendbetween, and are clamped to, the first and second arms 108 and 110. Eachof the arms 108 and 110 is mounted on the exterior wall 130 of astructure proximal to a window 132 and positioned so that the canopymembers 106 a-106 c protect the window 132 by providing shade orblocking rain. In other embodiments and installations, the awning 100 ispositioned proximal to and protects other parts of a structure such as adoor. The awning 100 also can be used indoors or on structures otherthan buildings such as recreational vehicles, campers, houseboats, etc.

The first arm 108, as shown in FIG. 2A includes a mounting portion 104and an elongated portion 116. The mounting portion 104 is arranged at anangle relative to the elongated portion 116 and is sized and configuredto be placed against the outer surface of the structure's exterior wall130. The mounting portion 104 defines two or more holes 118 a and 118 bsized to receive screws, bolts, or any other fasteners suitable forsecurely mounting the first arm 108 to the exterior wall 130.

The elongated portion 116 includes a proximal end portion 120 adjacentto the mounting portion 104 and an oppositely disposed distal endportion 122. The elongated portion 116 also includes an inner surface124 and an outer surface 126. One or more clamping members 112 a-112 care positioned to oppose the inner surface 124 and are configured to bedrawn tight against the inner surface 124. In at least one possibleembodiment, the clamping members 112 a-112 c are connected to the innersurface 124 with threaded rods such as bolts 128 a-128 f. In at leastone embodiment, there is one clamping member connected to the first arm108 for each canopy member 106 a-106 c. For example, if the awning 100has only one canopy member, there is only one clamping member connectedto the first arm 108. If there are two canopy members, then there aretwo clamping members. There also can be more than three canopy membersand clamping members.

In at least one possible embodiment, the length of the clamping members112 a-112 c and the distance between the threaded fasteners 128 a and128 b; 128 c and 128 d; 128 e and 128 f is at least longer than thecorresponding canopy members 106 a-106 c, respectively, are wide. Thissizing enables the canopy members 106 a-106 c to be securely clampedbetween the clamping members 112 a-112 c, respectively, and the innersurface 124 of the elongated portion 116 of the first arm 108 withoutbeing wrinkled, folded over, or caught in the bolt threads.

The canopy members 106 a-106 c and clamps 112 a-112 b are arranged suchthat clamp members 112 a-112 c extend along the length of the first arm108 generally in the same direction. In various embodiments, the clampmembers 112 a-112 c can be positioned parallel to one another, at anglesrelative to one another, parallel to the length of the first arm 108, atangles relative to the arm 108, or combinations thereof. Additionally,adjacent ends of the clamp members 112 a and 112 b, or 112 b and 112 ccan be spaced along the length of the first arm 108 to form a gapbetween the adjacent ends of the clamp members 112 a and 112 b, and 112b and 112 c, respectfully. Alternatively, the end of one clamp membercan be positioned over or below the end of the adjacent clamp member.For example, the distal end of clamp member 112 a could be positionedabove the proximal end of the clamp member 112 b to form a stair-steptype of arrangement.

As shown in FIG. 2B, second arm 110 is a mirror image of first arm 108and is substantially similar to first arm 108. Second arm 110 includes amounting portion 105 sized to receive two or more holes 119 a and 119 b,an elongated portion 117 which includes an inner surface 125 and anouter surface (not shown), one or more clamping members 113 a-113 c, adistal end portion 123, a proximal end portion 121, and threaded rodssuch as bolts 129 a-129 f. Canopy members 106 a-106 c are attachedbetween the clamp members 113 a-113 c and the second arm 110 similar tothe first arm 108 as described herein.

Each of the canopy members 106 a-106 c is formed with any suitablematerial such as fabric or other types of sheeting. An example includesfabric such as canvas woven from acrylic, cotton, or polyester. Anotherexample includes vinyl sheeting or vinyl laminated to fabric.Additionally, the canopy members 106 a-106 c can be woven or formed withthreads, fibers, or yarn. Alternatively, they can be formed with a solidsheet of material. In at least some embodiments, the canopy members 106a-106 c are non-rigid and compliant so they can be rolled or folded forpackaging and shipping before the awning is mounted and assembled.Additionally, the materials forming the canopy members 106 a-106 cresist stretching to prevent them from sagging over time.

The end portion or other edges of the canopy members 106 a-106 c may besubject to fraying, especially if they are woven or otherwise formedwith fibers. Fraying can be prevented by heating the end portions tomelt or otherwise burn the edge of the fabric to resist fraying. Inother alternatives, the edge portion of the canopy members 106 a-106 ccan be stitched, folded over and attached to the surface of the canopymembers 106 a-106 c similar to a hem, or treated with an adhesive orsimilar material. Additionally, the material forming the canopy members106 a-106 c can be coated or otherwise treated with a material to makethem water resistant or water proof. The material forming the canopymembers 106 a-106 c also can be treated with material to protect againstultra-violet rays from the sun and fading. The material forming thecanopy members 106 a-106 c also can be treated with material to protectagainst mildew and other types of mold.

In at least one possible embodiment, the canopy members 106 a-106 c areelongated and have a length substantially greater than their width. Inone example, the width of the canopy members 106 a-106 c is in the rangefrom about five inches to about eight inches. In another embodiment, thewidth of the canopy member is about 6.5 inches. In other examples, thecanopy members 106 a-106 c have a width outside of this range. The widthof the canopy members 106 a-106 c can depend on a variety of factorsincluding the length of the arms and the number of canopy members 106a-106 c that are included in the awning. Additionally, the canopymembers 106 a-106 c can have a shape other than an elongated strip ofmaterial as described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 6, some alternative embodiments of the canopymember 106 a includes an elongated member 601 positioned along both edgeportions 600 and 602 to provide structural support and prevent the edgeportions 600 and 602 of the canopy member 106 a from sagging. In thisembodiment, the edge portions 600 and 602 are folded over to form flaps604 and 606, respectively, which are attached to the lower surface 608of the canopy member 106 a by any suitable structure such as stitchingor adhesive. The elongated member 601 is enclosed between the flap 604and the lower surface 608 of the canopy member 106 a and extendssubstantially the entire length of the canopy member 106 a. A secondelongated member, not shown, is between the flap 606 and the lowersurface 608 of the canopy member 106 a. In some embodiments, theelongated member 601 is not so long that is will pass between theclamping members and the first and second arms 108 and 110. Theelongated member 601 can be formed with any suitable material such as anelastic cord, nylon, wood, plastic, metal, etc. If an elastic cord isused, a possible embodiment has a diameter of about three quarters of aninch. Additionally, the elongated member 601 is formed with a materialthat can be easily cut or broken so it can be trimmed to length when thelength of the canopy member 106 a is set.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the awning assembly 100mounted on the exterior wall 130 of a building. This embodiment issubstantially similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 andincludes first and second arms 108 and 110, canopy members 106 a-106 c,and clamping members 112 a-112 c and 113 a-113 c. Additionally, a firstside curtain 300 includes a top portion 302 and a rear portion 304. Thetop portion 302 is positioned against the outer surface 126 of the firstarm 108 and is attached thereto with a suitable fastener. Examples ofsuitable fasteners include threaded fasteners 308 a-308 c, clips, pins,rivets, adhesive, etc. An L-shaped bracket 306 is positioned between therear portion 304 of the side curtain 300 and the exterior wall 130 ofthe building. The L-shaped bracket 306 can be connected to the firstside curtain 300 with any suitable fasteners (not shown). Again,examples of suitable fasteners include threaded fasteners, clips, pins,rivets, adhesive, etc. Alternatively, the L-shaped bracket can beintegrally formed into the rear portion 304 of the side curtain 300.Alternative embodiments use a bracket having a shape different than theL-shaped bracket 306 to attach the first side curtain 300 to theexterior wall 100 of the building. Yet other embodiments do not attachthe rear portion 304 of the first side curtain 300 to the exterior wall130 of the building. The first side curtain 300 is formed with anysuitable rigid material such as fiberglass, plastic, aluminum, etc. Thefirst side curtain 300 also can be formed with non-rigid materials suchas those disclosed herein. Additionally, the first side curtain 300 canbe formed with an opaque material, or with a transparent orsemi-transparent material to let light or some light pass through theside curtain to the window. The first side curtain 300 also can beformed with a material that defines holes, or even a screen-likematerial, to let at least some light or at least some wind pass throughthe side curtain, which may reduce force applied to the side curtain andawning in especially windy areas. A second side curtain (not shown) issubstantially similar to the first side curtain 300 and is connected tothe second arm 110.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of an awning assembly 100 mountedon the exterior wall 130 of a structure proximal to a window 132. Thisembodiment is substantially similar to the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 and includes first and second arms 108 and 110, canopy members106 a-106 c, clamp members 112 a-112 c (not shown) and 113 a-113 c, sidecurtains 300 and 301, threaded fasteners 308 a-308 c, and L-shapedbrackets 306 and 307. Additionally, a reinforcing member 400 ispositioned between the distal end portion 122 of the first arm 108 andthe distal end portion 123 of the second arm 110. The reinforcing member400 is formed with any suitable material and structure that issubstantially rigid. Examples of structures include tubular rods, solidrods, etc. Examples of materials include plastic such as polyvinylchloride (PVC); metals such as iron, aluminum, steel; etc. A secondreinforcing member 402 is substantially similar to reinforcing member400 and may be positioned between the proximal end portion 120 of thefirst arm 108 and the proximal end portion 121 of the second arm 110.Alternative embodiments might include only a single elongatedreinforcing member or more than two elongated reinforcing members.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the reinforcing member 400 can beconnected to the first arm 108 using a peg 500. In this embodiment, thefirst arm 108 defines a hole 510 and threads 512 along the surface ofthe hole 510. The peg 500 has threads 514 passing through the hole 510such that the treads 514 on the peg 500 and the threads 512 on thesurface of the hole 510 mate. At least the end portion of the of theelongated reinforcing member 400 is tubular and defines a non-treaded,inner surface 508 having a diameter that is about equal to or slightlylarger than the outer diameter of the threads 514 on the fastener. Theend portion of the elongated reinforcing member 400 is then mounted onthe threaded portion of the peg 500 using a friction fit rather thanengaging the threads 514. Alternatively, the elongated reinforcingmember 400 can be threaded to the peg 500. A washer 504 is positionedbetween the end of the elongated reinforcing member 400 and the firstarm 108. Structures other than a threaded peg 500 can be used to connectthe elongated reinforcing member 400 to the first arm 108 as illustratedherein. Examples of such other structures include a peg having nothreads, a stub welded to or otherwise mounted on the inner surface 124of the first arm 108. In yet other alternative embodiments, a tubularmember, which may have a threaded or a smooth inner surface, isconnected to the distal end portion 122 of the first arm 108 and the endportion of the elongated reinforcing member 400 fits within the tubularmember. The opposite end of the elongated reinforcing member issimilarly connected to the second arm 110 using a threaded peg and awasher. In other embodiments, no washer is positioned between the firstand/or second arms 108 and 110 and the elongated reinforcing member 400.

Additionally, a threaded member such as a screw or bolt 502 ispositioned adjacent to the peg 500 and threaded through the first arm108. The screw 502 engages a surface of the washer 504. In use, thescrew 502 can be rotated to urge it toward the washer 504 in a directionparallel to the elongated reinforcing member 400. Rotating and urgingthe screw 502 in this direction causes the washer 504 to skew relativeto the first arm 108 and the elongated reinforcing member 400. Thismovement of the washer 504 causes the first arm 108 and the second arm110 to elongate and form a gap there between, which pulls the canopymembers 106 a-106 c tight and prevents them from sagging. A screwsimilar to screw 502 can be mounted to the second arm 110 in a similarfashion.

In use, the awning assembly 100 is assembled by attaching first andsecond arms 108 and 110 to an exterior wall 130 above the area orstructure to be protected by the awning. In this example, the mountingportions 104 and 105 of the first and second arms 108 and 110 areattached to an exterior wall 130 above a window 132. The mountingportions 104 and 105 of arms 108 and 110, respectfully, are attached tothe exterior wall 130 using suitable fasteners such as screws or bolts.Wall anchors can be used to securely hold the fastener in the wall. Oncethe first and second arms 108 and 110 are attached to the exterior wall,one end of the canopy member 106 a is fed between the clamping member112 a and the first arm 108. The threaded fasteners 128 a and 128 b aretightened until the canopy member 106 a is securely held between theclamping member 112 a and the first arm 108. The canopy member 106 a isthen fed through the gap between the second clamp member 113 a and thesecond arm 110. The canopy member 106 a is pulled taught and thefasteners 129 a and 129 b are then tightened until the clamping member113 a is pulled tightly toward the second arm 110 and is securelyholding the canopy member 106 a in place. The end portions of the canopymember 106 a may be cut or otherwise trimmed to length with scissors ora knife if they extend too far past the clamp members 112 a and 112 b(e.g. end of canopy member 106 c extending past clamp member 113 c asillustrated in FIG. 28). As discussed herein, the ends of the canopy canbe treated to prevent fraying. This process of clamping canopy member106 a is repeated for each of the other canopy members 106 b-106 c.

If the elongated reinforcing member 400 is used, the peg 500 is threadedthrough the hole 510 in the distal end portion 122 of the first arm 108until the head of the peg 500 engages the outer surface 126 of the firstarm 108. The washer 504 is then placed on the peg 500 and the elongatedreinforcing member 400 is slid over the peg 500. A second washer is thenpositioned between the opposite end of the elongated reinforcing member400 and the second arm 110. A second peg is threaded through the secondarm 110. This process is repeated for each of the elongated reinforcingmembers if more than one is used.

In various embodiments, the elongated reinforcing member 400 is attachedto the first and second arms 108 and 110 after one or more of the canopymembers 106 a-106 c are attached. This sequence of operations allows thereinforcing member 400 to be used as a lever to urge the first andsecond arms 108 and 110 apart to add tension to the canopy members 106a-106 c and prevent sagging. Alternatively, the reinforcing member 400is attached to the first and second arms 108 and 110 before the canopymembers 106 a-106 c are attached. Additionally, in at least somealternative embodiments, the screw 502 is rotated after the first andsecond arms 108 and 110, canopy members 106 a-106 c, and elongatedreinforcement member 400 are assembled to urge the first and second arms108 and 110 apart to add tension to the canopy members 106 a-106 c.

If the awning assembly 100 is to include side curtains 300 and 301, theyare connected to the first and second arms 108 and 110, respectively,using fasteners as described herein. Brackets 306 and 307 can beconnected between the side curtains 300 and 301 and the exterior wall130 of the structure also as described herein.

The awning assembly 100 may also be provided in a kit. In one possibleembodiment, the kit includes arms 108 and 110, canopy members 106 a-106c, clamp members 112 a-112 c, 113 a-113 c, and bolts. In variousembodiments, the kit can include canopy members 106 a-106 c that areseparated from one another. In other embodiments, the kit can include asingle length of material for the canopy members 106 a-106 c that aninstaller can cut to length to form the separate canopy members 106a-106 c. At least some alternative embodiments of a kit also can includevarious combinations of the side curtains 300 and 301, one or morereinforcing members 400, brackets 306 and 307, elongated reinforcingmember(s) 400 and 402, washer(s) 507, screws or pegs 500, screw 502,wrenches or screw drivers for turning the various fasteners included inthe kit, fasteners for mounting the first and second arms 108 and 110 toa wall 130, wall anchors, other various fasteners, screws, bolts,washers, adhesives, and hardware, etc.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimsattached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize variousmodifications and changes that may be made without following the exampleembodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, andwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for mounting to the wall of astructure, the apparatus comprising: first and second arms, each armhaving an elongated portion and a mounting portion arranged at an anglerelative to the elongated portion, the mounting portion defining one ormore holes, the elongated portion of the first arm having a first innersurface, the elongated portion of the second arm having a second innersurface, first inner surface opposing the second inner surface; at leasta first clamp member operably connected to the first arm and at least asecond clamp member operably connected to the second arm; and at leastone canopy member having a one end portion clamped between the firstinner surface and the at least one clamp member and an opposite endportion clamped between the second inner surface and the at least secondclamp member.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elongated portionfor each of the first and second arms has a proximal portion adjacent tothe mounting portion and an oppositely disposed distal portion, theapparatus further comprising: at least one rigid elongated member havingone end portion operably connected to the distal portion of the firstarm and an opposite end operably connected to a the distal portion ofthe second arm.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, the apparatus furthercomprising: at least a second rigid elongated member having one endportion operably connected to the proximal portion of the first arm andan opposite end operably connected to the proximal portion of the secondarm.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least canopy membercomprises canvas and is treated to make it at least water resistant. 5.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each clamp member is an elongated barand is connected to the inner surface of each arm.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising: first and second side curtains; the firstcurtain having a top portion operably connected to the first arm and arear portion configured for positioning proximal to the wall of thestructure; and the second curtain having a top portion operablyconnected to the second arm and a rear portion configured forpositioning proximal to the wall of the structure.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 6 wherein the first and second side curtains are formed with asubstantially rigid material.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein therigid material is selected from the group consisting essentially offiberglass, plastic, aluminum, or other polymeric or metallic materials.9. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising: a first brace having afirst portion operably connected to the first side curtain and a secondportion configured for attaching to the side wall; and a second bracehaving a first portion operably connected to the second curtain and asecond portion configured for attaching to the side wall.
 10. An awningassembly comprising: first and second bracket assemblies, each bracketassembly comprising an arm having a rear portion arranged for mountingto an outer wall of a structure and a leading portion oppositelydisposed from the rear portion, an inner surface and an outer surfaceand two or more clamp members, the two or more clamp members positionedproximally to the inner surface; two or more canopy members treated tobe at least water resistant, each of the canopy members having a widthin the range of about six inches and about eight inches, wherein: afirst one of the two or more canopy members has one end clamped to thefirst arm between the inner surface and one of the two or more clampmembers and an opposite end clamped to the second arm between the innersurface and one of the two or more clamp members; and a second one ofthe two or more canopy members has one end clamped to the first armbetween the inner surface and another of the two or more clamp membersand an opposite end clamped to the second arm between the inner surfaceand another of the two or more clamp members; first and second sidecurtains, each side curtain formed with a non-rigid material, each sidecurtain having a top portion and a rear portion, the first curtainoperably connected to the outer surface of the first arm and a rearportion arranged to extend along the outer wall of the structure, thesecond curtain operably connected to the outer surface of the second armand a rear portion arranged to extend along the outer wall of thestructure; a first side curtain bracket member operably connected to aninner surface of the first side curtain and the outer wall of thestructure and a second side curtain bracket member operably connected toan inner surface of the second side curtain and the other wall of thestructure; and at least one rigid elongated member having a first endoperably connected to the leading portion of the first bracket and anopposite end operably connected to the leading portion of the secondbracket.
 11. A method for assembling an awning, the method comprising:attaching first and second arms to an exterior wall of a building andproximal to a window, each of the first and second arms comprising anelongated bracket and a clamping member operably connected to theelongated bracket; and clamping a first end portion of a non-rigidmaterial between the elongated bracket and the clamp of the first armand an opposite portion of the non-rigid material between the elongatedbracket and the clamp of the second arm.
 12. The method of claim 11wherein: clamping a first end portion of a canopy member to the firstarm comprises clamping the first end portion of a canopy member betweenthe inner surface and clamping member of the first arm; and clamping asecond end portion of the canopy member to the second arm comprisesclamping the second end portion of the canopy member between the innersurface and clamping member of the second arm.
 13. The method of claim12 further comprising: if the first end portion of the canopy memberextends all the way through the clamp to form excess material, trimmingthe excess material proximal to the first end portion; and if the firstend portion of the canopy member extends all the way through the clampto form excess material, trimming the excess material proximal to thesecond end portion.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the canopy membercomprises canvas, the method further comprising: heating the ends of thecanopy member to prevent the canvas from fraying.
 15. The method ofclaim 12 further comprising positioning an elongated member between adistal end of the first arm and a distal end of the second arm.
 16. Themethod of claim 15 further comprising positioning an elongated memberbetween a proximal end of the first arm and a proximal end of the secondarm.
 17. The method of claim 15 further comprising: operably connectinga first side curtain to the first arm; and operably connecting a secondside curtain to the second arm.
 18. A kit for assembling an awning andmounting the awning to the wall of a house, the kit comprising: firstand second arms, each arm member having an elongated portion and amounting portion arranged at an angle relative to the elongated portion,the mounting portion defining one or more holes, the elongated portionof the first arm having a first inner surface, the elongated portion ofthe second arm having a second inner surface, first inner surfaceopposing the second inner surface; at least two clamp members configuredfor operable connection to the first arm and at least two clamp membersconfigured for operable connection to the second arm; and at least onecanopy member configured for clamping to the first and second arms. 19.The kit of claim 18 wherein the elongated portion for each of the firstand second arms has a proximal portion adjacent to the mounting portionand an oppositely disposed distal portion, the kit further comprising:at least one rigid elongated member having one end portion configuredfor operable connection to the distal portion of the first arm and anopposite end configured for operable connection to a the distal portionof the second arm.
 20. The kit of claim 19 further comprising: first andsecond side curtains; the first curtain having a top portion configuredfor operable connection to the first arm and a rear portion configuredfor positioning proximal to the wall of the structure; and the secondcurtain having a top portion configured for operable connection to thesecond arm and a rear portion configured for positioning proximal to thewall of the structure.